Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a caustic metallic base used in industry, mostly as a strong chemical base) in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and detergents.

Related Topics:
Na - OH - Caustic - Base - Chemical - Base - Paper - Textile - Detergent

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Sodium hydroxide is occasionally used in the home as an agent for unblocking drains, but it is highly caustic and has a high danger of causing chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness, due to its high reactivity. Therefore, it should be stored separately.

Related Topics:
Chemical burn - Blindness - Reactivity

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Sodium hydroxide is relatively stable and incompatible with many substances. It dissolves very easily in water, however the dissolution is highly exothermic. For this reason, it is important to have the proper type of chemical fire extinguisher nearby before working with sodium hydroxide. Store NaOH in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing water and CO2 from the air. It can create enough heat to ignite flammables (such as alcohols), so add slowly in biodiesel processors.

Related Topics:
Exothermic - Fire extinguisher - Airtight - Alcohol - Biodiesel processors

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Sodium hydroxide is produced in the Chloralkali process, which is the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. It is a by-product from the production of chlorine. A sodium hydroxide solution will leave a yellow stain on fabric and paper.

Related Topics:
Chloralkali process - Electrolysis - Sodium chloride - Chlorine - Solution

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Both sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are commonly called "lye" in North America, which can lead to some confusion. However, most commercially available lye is NaOH. Lye is also a main ingredient in the making of soap. NaOH is now most commonly used for this, but traditionally KOH was used because it was easier to obtain.

Related Topics:
Potassium hydroxide - North America - Soap

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